5 things I’ve learned after photographing dozens of weddings
After working in the wedding industry for five years, here are the key lessons I’ve learned about love, photography, and capturing the essence of a wedding day.
After shooting dozens of weddings, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing countless beautiful moments, emotions, and stories. Each wedding I’ve captured has taught me something new about love, photography, and life. These experiences have shaped the way I approach my work, and as I reflect on my journey, I want to share a few key lessons I’ve learned along the way. Whether you’re planning your wedding or just curious about what goes into capturing the essence of such an important day, I hope these insights help you understand what truly matters when it comes to documenting your big day.
1. It’s about connection: great photos come from genuine trust and rapport with clients
One of the most important things I’ve learned is that great photos don’t come from posing perfectly or following a script—they come from the connection between the couple and me. The best moments I’ve captured are the ones where the couple feels completely comfortable in front of the camera, and that comfort comes from trust. It’s not just about being a photographer; it’s about being someone they feel safe with, someone who understands their relationship and what’s important to them. I’ve seen couples let their guard down in front of me and let the love they share truly shine, and those are the moments that result in the most beautiful, authentic images. So, while the photography gear and technical skills matter, the connection we build is what truly brings the photos to life.
2. Emotions trump perfection: raw, real moments often make the most cherished images
As much as I love capturing beautiful, composed images, I’ve come to realize that emotions far outweigh perfection. The raw, unfiltered moments—the tear-filled glances, the uncontrollable laughter, the quick touches of the hand—those are the moments that become the most cherished memories. I’ve learned that perfection isn’t about flawless lighting or perfectly posed portraits; it’s about capturing what’s real. It’s the emotions that make a photograph timeless. Over the years, I’ve come to appreciate that the messy, imperfect moments are often the ones that hold the most meaning. Whether it’s a tear falling down a bride’s cheek during the vows or a groom holding his partner close on the dance floor, these moments tell the story of the day in a way that posed photos never could.
3. Every wedding is unique: each couple’s love story shapes how their day unfolds
No two weddings are ever the same, and that’s one of the things I love most about being a wedding photographer. Every couple has their own story, and that story shapes the way their wedding day unfolds. Whether it's a quiet, intimate ceremony with just a few close friends or a grand celebration with hundreds of guests, each wedding is an opportunity to witness something unique. As a photographer, it’s my job to understand the couple’s vision and the things that matter most to them—whether it’s capturing the first moment they see each other or the quiet moments they share alone after the ceremony. It’s this understanding that helps me tell their story in a way that feels personal and authentic, and it’s what makes each wedding so special.
4. Timing is everything: a well-planned timeline reduces stress and enhances creativity
I’ve learned the hard way that a well-planned timeline is key to reducing stress and allowing for creativity to flow on a wedding day. There are so many moving parts—getting ready photos, portraits, family shots, ceremony, reception—each segment of the day requires careful planning to ensure everything runs smoothly. A tight timeline can lead to rushed photos, missed moments, and stress that takes away from the joy of the day. But when the timeline is thoughtfully planned, it allows for moments of calm and allows me the space to get creative with my shots. I’ve seen how a little extra time for photos in the right light can turn a good shot into a great one. So, I always recommend that couples work with their planner and photographer to create a timeline that balances structure and flexibility—so the day can unfold naturally while also giving us the time to capture all the beautiful moments.
5. Little details matter: those small, thoughtful touches tell a big part of your story
Over the years, I’ve come to appreciate the small details that might seem insignificant at first but end up telling such a big part of the story. Whether it’s a handwritten note tucked into a pocket, a bouquet of wildflowers carefully chosen to match the season, or a vintage heirloom passed down through generations, these tiny, meaningful touches add so much depth to the narrative of the day. As a photographer, it’s my job to see these details—often in the background or hidden in plain sight—and capture them in a way that elevates the story. When a couple looks back on their photos, they’ll remember the emotions tied to those little details, whether it’s the scent of a particular flower or the memories of a moment shared in a quiet corner of the venue. These are the things that make the day uniquely theirs.
Turning lessons into wedding day art
Looking back on the weddings I’ve had the honour of photographing, these five lessons stand out to me as the core truths of my journey as a wedding photographer. Every wedding is a chance to witness the unique love and joy that comes with two people committing their lives to each other, and it’s that authenticity and emotion that drives everything I do. Whether it’s the connection I build with my couples, the raw emotions I capture, or the small details that make the day so special, these lessons have shaped me into the photographer I am today.
If you’re getting married in Southern Ontario and want to capture your day in a way that feels natural, heartfelt, and true to who you are, I’d love to chat about how I can help tell your love story!